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- Tasks: Join our Families First Children’s Service as a Social Worker, supporting children and families in need.
- Company: Plymouth City Council is dedicated to safeguarding and empowering local communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 15% pay enhancement for unsociable hours and comprehensive training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work is essential; agency workers with 12 weeks at Plymouth can apply too.
- Other info: Flexible working hours on a 4-day rota; guaranteed interviews for eligible candidates.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Families First Children’s Service for Social Workers. We are looking for 2 permanent experienced social work practitioners to come and join our service from June 2025.
The Families First Children’s Service is designed to meet the two key principles of effective safeguarding as defined by Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023:
- Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility: for services to be effective each professional and organisation should play their full part;
- A child-centred approach: for services to be effective they should be based on a clear understanding of the needs and views of children.
Bringing together our partners alongside social work practitioners, we will ensure we are able to confidently gather the right information about a child and their family in one place to inform decision making and ensure that they receive the right support at the time they need it to prevent need escalating.
The Families First Children’s Service provides a 24-hour response to concerns for children and young people 7 days a week, 365 days a year. All staff in the team have training and experience in the support and safeguarding of children. Colleagues working in the Families First Children’s Service will work on a 4-day rota cycle between the hours of:
- 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday
- 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday and bank holidays.
To compensate for working unsociable hours, all staff will receive a 15% enhancement to their pay. Outside of these hours, we will operate an Emergency Duty Service that will be operated by the social workers within the team. The team will cover up to 3 on-call shifts per month and receive an on-call rate as per the Plymouth Book. Our Emergency Duty Service provides an emergency response to those children, adults or people at risk of homelessness that need an immediate response; all other contact will be triaged by a Call Centre and be responded to the following day.
We are committed to supporting you with comprehensive training, so you can work seamlessly with our partners to assess the needs of children, young people and families. Together, we will ensure that those who need help receive the right support, at the right time, from the most suitable agency or agencies. Your expertise will be instrumental in making a positive impact on their lives.
Please note if you are working with us as an agency social worker and have worked with Plymouth for 12 weeks continuous service, you can also apply for these posts. This is a great opportunity to join us on our journey to providing outstanding services to children in Plymouth!
This is a thrilling time to be part of the Families First Children’s Service! The possibilities are vast for professional growth, skill development, and knowledge expansion. Most importantly, we have the privilege of making a meaningful difference in the lives of children, young people, and families in Plymouth.
The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: Enhanced Adult & Child Check + DBS Children’s & Adult Barred List.
For more information or an informal discussion please contact Mark Anderson on Mark.anderson@plymouth.gov.uk
Closing date: Sunday 13 July 2025
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to promoting equality, we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
CS/3775 - Social Workers employer: PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
Contact Detail:
PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CS/3775 - Social Workers
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key principles of effective safeguarding as outlined in the Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 document. Understanding these principles will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to child-centred approaches.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Plymouth City Council, especially those in the Families First Children’s Service. They can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions that may arise during the interview. Think about specific cases where you've successfully safeguarded children or worked collaboratively with other agencies, as these experiences will highlight your practical skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on local issues affecting children and families in Plymouth. Being knowledgeable about current challenges will show your dedication to the role and your ability to engage with the community effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace CS/3775 - Social Workers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Social Worker position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous social work experience, particularly in safeguarding and working with children and families. Use specific examples to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to include essential skills such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving in your application. Provide examples of how you have used these skills effectively in past situations.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of a Social Worker at Plymouth City Council. Familiarise yourself with the Families First Children’s Service and its key principles of effective safeguarding.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in social work, particularly any relevant cases or situations where you made a significant impact. Highlight your skills in safeguarding and working collaboratively with families and other professionals.
✨Demonstrate a Child-Centred Approach
During the interview, emphasise your commitment to a child-centred approach. Share examples of how you have prioritised the needs and views of children in your past work, and how you plan to continue doing so in this role.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask your interviewers. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. You might ask about the training opportunities available or how the team collaborates with other agencies.
